Irish Fashion Designer

Uncategorized

A superbly talented milliner and designer, Rebekah Wall, introduced me to the Chicago Rose Centre early in 2016, before the Chicago Rose was even chosen, and I jumped at the chance to sponsor the future Chicago Rose’s Rose of Tralee gown. A few weeks later, the lovely Maggie McEldowney, a complete natural beauty, was crowned the Chicago Rose. We collaborated on styles and colour and I began designing my first Rose gown.

The initial sketches of the Chicago Rose gown

The aim was to merge Maggie’s personal style with my label’s aesthetic. It was imperative to design a gown that represented Maggie’s elegance, as well as one that had the edge of my other garments. Several designs were sent through and Maggie chose her favourite and production began! This was my first bespoke piece and first time officially pattern drafting to specific measurements so I was apprehensive when I met Maggie in Dublin for the fitting. Fortunately it fit amazing and only minor adjustments needed to be made. Maggie was so warm and welcoming and even brought me beautiful jewellery gifts from her hometown, Chicago! A total sweetheart. After the fitting and adjustments were made, I travelled back down to Tralee to leave off the gown for the final time. Now all I had to do was wait in anticipation!

The Rose of Tralee sign outside the Rose Hotel in Tralee

Details of lace burgundy panels seamed with satin piping

Maggie on the Rose of Tralee qualifying night (non-televised)

The festival continued and Maggie got through to the televised show – meaning that for the first time, one of my garments would be on TV! I waited anxiously for it to be Maggie’s turn and she did amazing in her interview. It was so surreal seeing my gown on TV and more importantly, Maggie looked divine from head to toe. Later that night, they announced the winner of the 2016 Rose of Tralee – CHICAGO!! I wave of messages flooded through social media and support as if I had just won it myself, but it was all down to the wonderful lady in the dress. A Kyree Forrest dress!

Chicago Rose crowned the 2016 Rose of Tralee

My first Rose succeeded all the other Roses from around the world and won one of the most acclaimed competitions in the world. A show close to my heart for personal reasons, this was a very sentimental task and I hope only the beginning of my Rose of Tralee design journey!

From 2017, the gown will be available in the Rose Museum, in County Kerry.

Brown Thomas sponsor the Ones to Watch category of the Irish Fashion Innovation Awards. The morning after the awards, I met with Niamh, visual merchandiser for Brown Thomas, to deliver several garments for their store. Following the days ahead, Brown Thomas released images of their window display on their Twitter, which included my gown.

My gown on the window of Brown Thomas Galway

My two piece gown is featured alongside Ruth Duignan (middle) and Etain Grant (right). It is constructed of 300 individual pieces of black silk organza and is paired with a suede patchwork crop top with silver topstitching.

My two piece gown on the window of Brown Thomas Galway

I couldn’t resist a proud photo beside my first window display!

On March 26th, I, alongside fellow Irish designer Ruth Duignan, presented a few pieces of my Autumn/Winter 2016 collection in store. After a 5 hour journey, Eoin and I arrived in Galway. Galway is immersed in character, its intimacy laced with old stone buildings and dainty bridges that frame the River Corrib. My first destination was set, as we approached Brown Thomas, my striking gown radiated confidence and stood boldly in its enigma, even from a distance. To passers by I was possibly a very excited tourist who wanted a photograph outside a famous Irish department store, but to see my creation on such an esteemed display blurred everything else in its surroundings.

Brown Thomas promoting the Meet the Designer event

On entering Brown Thomas, we were greeted with a sign promoting the “Meet the Designers” event. We were escorted upstairs to the first floor which revealed our garments. As well as the garment on the window, I also got to display a silver leather patchwork dress and a wool patchwork dress in the store. It was so fulfilling to have my label existing between Armani and DVF!

Hi everyone, I have decided to do a “Meet the Designer” in the form of quick fire questions to let you know a bit about myself before I begin writing my blogs!

Kyree ♥

Full Name: Kyree Mary Anastasia Forrest

D.O.B: 30th October 1990

Starsign: Scorpio

Nationality: Irish

Siblings: Two of the best big brothers in the world

Marital Status: Engaged. On 31st August 2012, Eoin presented me with the most stunning vintage style 18ct gold black sapphire engagement ring I could ever have imagined. It was specially made for my tiny size F ring finger, which suited me as I love nothing more than to be different! We’re getting married in Lake Como, Italy, on 7/06/17 – the same anniversary as both our parents.

Something about you people may not know: I am the biggest WWE wrestling fan and have been to see it live many times with the boys & my fiancé, who thankfully is also a massive fan so he couldn’t have joined a better fitting family!

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Either an astronomer, writer or a philosopher.

Lastly, what is your main aspiration for life? To be surrounded by creativity, happiness, fun and love.